Man falls through ceiling, arrested for assault on officer

VICTORVILLE • A man was hiding from sheriff's officials when he fell through the ceiling of his master bedroom, then pulled a knife on deputies, officials said.

Deputies arrested Christopher Apodaca, 30, of South Gate, after the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department Victorville station received a call from Apodaca's girlfriend's daughter Monday afternoon saying that Apodaca and his girlfriend were involved in a fight, officials said.

The 12-year-old girl met deputies James Marshall and Adam Salsberry and led them through an open side gate at a home in the 15000 block of Seventh Street, according to Karen Hunt, spokeswoman for the Victorville station.

While going through the side yard, deputies saw Apodaca walking toward an open window, officials said. Apodaca saw the deputies and ran to another location inside the home, according to authorities.

The victim opened the front door and told deputies she had her daughter call police before the argument became violent, sheriff's officials said.

As deputies were interviewing the victim they noticed noises coming from the attic or roof of the home, officials said. Suddenly, Apodaca fell through the ceiling of the master bedroom, authorities said, but was able to get to his feet.

Marshall commanded Apodaca at gunpoint to get on the floor, but Apodaca did not comply and instead pulled out a knife and advanced toward Marshall, officials said.

Apodaca dropped his weapon and got on the ground before jumping up again, officials said.

When Apodaca got up, Mashall Tasered him and Salsberry was able to handcuff Apodaca, Hunt said.

Through an investigation it was discovered Apodaca was on parole for domestic violence out of El Monte, against the same victim, sheriff's officials said.

Apodaca was arrested for assault with a deadly weapon on a peace officer and is being held without bail at Victor Valley Jail, authorities said.

Beatriz E. Valenzuela can be reached at 951-6276 or at BValenzuela@vvdailypress.com